Herman finally enjoys a home of his own

VERO BEACH - Until a few weeks ago a good day for Herman was a day when he didn't get rained on, chased by a dog, or eat from a garbage can. In fact, the day that Herman was found, he was having a really bad day -- even by his standards.

A passer-by saw Herman sitting by the side of the road in the pouring rain. He was completely soaked and his long black and white fur was matted. Additionally, he had several bite wounds. The passer-by took Herman for medical treatment, and, when he was well, brought him to Dogs & Cats Forever.

At the shelter, Herman encountered many things he had probably not experienced in a while -- a safe, air-conditioned room, clean food and water, and people who were kind to him. He had just begun to settle into his new lifestyle when he was on the move again -- this time to a permanent foster home with Dogs & Cats' Vero volunteer, Nancy Bauer.

Bauer had seen Herman on Dogs & Cats' website and had driven to the main shelter in Fort Pierce to meet him. Bauer, who was looking for an older long-haired boy, loved Herman's "fabulous face." She explained that both her male cat and her male dog had recently passed away, and that she and her female cats needed a "male influence" in the household.

Things were moving a little too fast for Herman, however, who was not quite comfortable in the lap of luxury. "He was great with the house and the other cats," said Bauer,"but not with me." Happily, Bauer's answer to the problem was not to return him. She simply gave him the space and time he needed to acclimate.Bauer said that Herman has since changed his mind about her and now follows her from room to room, always stopping in the kitchen for a little Swiss cheese.

Bauer is thankful not only to those who rescued Herman, but also for Dogs & Cats' permanent foster program, which allows seniors on fixed incomes, like herself, to foster an older pet. Bauer said that Herman seems grateful, too, adding, "He is going to be the king of this household."

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